Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65-derived epitope presented by HLA-A*0201 (CMV pp65-HLA-A*0201 epitope, or CMV pp65(495-503)/HLA-A*0201)

The "cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65-derived epitope presented by HLA-A*0201" refers to a peptide fragment, most commonly NLVPMVATV (amino acids 495–503 of CMV pp65), that is bound to the HLA-A*0201 major histocompatibility complex class I molecule on the surface of infected or therapeutically manipulated cells. This complex is a dominant target for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in human cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in individuals with the HLA-A*0201 allele. Recognition of this epitope/HLA complex by T cell receptors is central to antiviral immunity, and the complex is widely used for monitoring antiviral immune status, designing peptide-based vaccines, and adoptive T cell therapy in transplantation and immunocompromised patients.

Other names

CMV pp65-derived epitope (HLA-A*0201-restricted)CMV pp65(495–503)-HLA-A*0201NLVPMVATV-HLA-A*0201 complexHuman cytomegalovirus pp65/HLA-A*0201 epitope

Peptide vaccines: Elicit a cytotoxic T cell response to recognize and destroy CMV-infected cells presenting the pp65/HLA-A*0201 complex. Adoptive T cell therapy: Transfer of ex vivo expanded CMV pp65-specific T cells to recognize and eliminate infected cells expressing this antigen complex.